CPT® Code 0772T | Case2Code

Official Description

Virtual reality (VR) procedural dissociation services provided by the same physician or other qualified health care professional performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service that the VR procedural dissociation supports, requiring the presence of an independent, trained observer to assist in the monitoring of the patient's level of dissociation or consciousness and physiological status; each additional 15 minutes intraservice time (List separately in addition to code for primary service)

Common Language Description

Virtual reality (VR) procedural dissociation is a specialized technique utilized to assist in the management of pain and anxiety for patients undergoing various medical, surgical, or radiological procedures. This innovative approach may serve as an alternative to traditional anesthesia for a range of interventions, including but not limited to burn treatments, interventional radiology, and procedures within orthopedic, gastroenterology, or dermatology specialties. The process involves the use of a head-mounted display that immerses the patient in a virtual environment, effectively occluding their immediate surroundings. This immersive experience is designed to engage the patient’s senses through three-dimensional imagery, music, and interactive conversation, thereby diverting their attention from painful or anxiety-inducing stimuli. The goal is to create a sense of presence within the virtual setting, allowing patients to experience a form of dissociation from their current medical situation. VR procedural dissociation is applicable to both pediatric and adult populations. Importantly, when the same healthcare provider who is performing the primary procedure also administers the VR dissociation service, the presence of an independent, trained observer is mandated. This observer is responsible for monitoring the patient's level of dissociation or consciousness, as well as their physiological status, ensuring safety and efficacy throughout the experience. For billing purposes, the initial 15 minutes of VR procedural dissociation is reported using CPT® code 0771T, while each subsequent 15-minute increment is reported with CPT® code 0772T.

1. Indications

The indications for utilizing virtual reality (VR) procedural dissociation services include the following:

Pain Management - VR procedural dissociation is indicated for patients experiencing significant pain during medical, surgical, or radiological procedures.
Anxiety Reduction - This service is beneficial for patients who exhibit high levels of anxiety related to their upcoming procedures.
Anesthesia Replacement - VR dissociation may be used as an alternative to traditional anesthesia for various types of procedures, particularly in cases where conventional anesthesia may not be suitable.
Specific Procedures - It is indicated for use in procedures such as burn treatment, interventional radiology, and orthopedic, gastroenterology, or dermatology interventions.

2. Procedure

The procedural steps for administering VR procedural dissociation services are as follows:

Step 1: Preparation - Prior to the procedure, the patient is assessed to determine their suitability for VR procedural dissociation. This includes evaluating their pain levels, anxiety, and overall health status.
Step 2: Equipment Setup - A head-mounted display unit is prepared and adjusted to fit the patient comfortably. This device will provide the immersive virtual experience necessary for dissociation.
Step 3: Immersion in Virtual Environment - The VR software is activated, presenting the patient with a carefully designed virtual environment. This environment is crafted to engage the patient's senses and distract them from the procedure at hand.
Step 4: Monitoring - An independent, trained observer is present throughout the procedure to monitor the patient's level of dissociation, consciousness, and physiological status. This observer is responsible for making any necessary adjustments to the VR experience under the supervision of the physician.
Step 5: Duration Tracking - The intraservice time is tracked, with the initial 15 minutes reported using CPT® code 0771T and each additional 15-minute increment reported with CPT® code 0772T.

3. Post-Procedure

After the VR procedural dissociation service is completed, the patient is gradually brought back to their baseline state. The independent observer continues to monitor the patient's recovery, ensuring that they are stable and comfortable before concluding the session. It is essential to assess the patient's response to the VR experience, including any changes in pain or anxiety levels. Documentation of the procedure, including the duration of VR dissociation and the patient's physiological responses, should be completed to support billing and compliance requirements. Follow-up care may be necessary depending on the patient's condition and the nature of the primary procedure performed.

Short Descr	VR PX DISSOC SVC SM PHY EA
Medium Descr	VR PX DISSOC SVC SAME PHYS/QHP EA ADDL 15 MIN
Long Descr	Virtual reality (VR) procedural dissociation services provided by the same physician or other qualified health care professional performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service that the VR procedural dissociation supports, requiring the presence of an independent, trained observer to assist in the monitoring of the patient's level of dissociation or consciousness and physiological status; each additional 15 minutes intraservice time (List separately in addition to code for primary service)
Status Code	Carriers Price the Code
Global Days	ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC)	0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51)	0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50)	0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions	09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82)	0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62)	0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66)	0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family	99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator	Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	none
MUE	3

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

0771T

MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC E1 Virtual reality (VR) procedural dissociation services provided by the same physician or other qualified health care professional performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service that the VR procedural dissociation supports, requiring the presence of an independent, trained observer to assist in the monitoring of the patient's level of dissociation or consciousness and physiological status; initial 15 minutes of intraservice time, patient age 5 years or older